Let’s be honest for a second: Winning the NBA Cup doesn’t mean a thing, or at least it shouldn’t for teams aiming for the big and actual prize.
However, for young, up-and-coming teams, it should mean the world.
That’s why Rick Carlisle’s Indiana Pacers should feel quite proud of themselves, especially after beating the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks on their way to the big game.
A lot of that has had to do with Tyrese Haliburton’s stellar play, as he’s looking like the undisputed No. 1 point guard in the game this season.
That’s why NBA legend Charles Barkley used him to take a big shot at James Harden, stating that he’s been playing so well that Harden actually requested to be traded to Indiana (Via Bleacher Report).
"Haliburton is playing so good, James Harden wanted to be traded to Indiana." 🤣
Chuck trolls Harden pic.twitter.com/zGe8zOemih
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 8, 2023
Harden has been the butt of the joke for quite a while now after forcing his way off three teams in as many years, so this shouldn’t strike as much of a surprise.
He’s not playing all that well either, so that’s only going to grant him even more criticism.
As for Haliburton, he’s posting Stephen Curry-caliber efficiency numbers from all three levels, all while posting Steve Nash’s kind of assists totals, and the most impressive part about his game is that he’s not turning the ball over.
The In-Season Tournament should be meaningless for championship contenders, but it’s helped a dangerous and exciting team to put the rest of the league on notice.
Tyrese Haliburton is a superstar, and he’s not the future of the league; he’s the present.
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